Windies trio opt out of tour
THREE West Indies players who have decided against travelling to England for next month’s Test series over Covid-19 fears have been told their decision will not affect future selection.
Batsmen Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer and all-rounder Keemo Paul will not be part of a 25-man touring party for a threeTest series to be played behind closed doors at ‘biosecure’ venues because of coronavirus.
A 14-strong squad is being supplemented by 11 reserves who will train alongside the main group and can be selected if required.
A statement read: ‘Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul all declined the invitation to travel to England for the tour and Cricket West Indies fully respects their decision to choose to do so.
‘As previously stated, CWI will not hold this decision against these players when considering future selection.’
Batsman Nkrumah Bonner and fast bowler Chemar Holder, unrelated to captain Jason, are the uncapped players in the main squad.
Subject to government clearance, the Tests will be held at the Ageas Bowl from July 8 followed by two Tests at Old Trafford starting on July 16 and 24 respectively. The West Indies squad will have tests in the next few days before private charter flights arrive in England next Monday.
Roger Harper, Cricket West Indies’ lead selector, said: ‘The new cricketing environment will take some getting used to. However, being in England and working together for four weeks before the first Test will give the squad the opportunity to get acclimatised and, hopefully, mentally and technically adjusted to the new environment.
‘Playing in July could be a blessing as the weather is likely to be warmer, which will allow the squad more of an opportunity to play its best cricket. I think we have a squad that will be very competitive.’